Document Actions
Be Active! Yes You Can
Believing in yourself and understanding what stops you from being active can help you set your own plan to become and stay physically active.
Becoming and staying physically active is one of the few things that we are told to do instead of not to do for our health. Health professionals tell us to increase our daily physical activity to reduce our risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and mental stress. However, more than half of us are not taking this advice. According to results from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2007 only 49% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported that they were physically active during their leisure time. So how do we get the other half of us moving?
For some of us, in order to get moving, we need to believe that the benefits of being physically active will improve our health and the way we look and feel. Most inactive people believe there are too many things stopping them from being active. Two primary reasons are they believe they are not at a health risk or they don’t feel confident they can be active. Believing that you have what it takes to be active is very important for you to change your behaviour.
What’s stopping you?
The first step in becoming more active is to understand what stops you in the first place. For many, excuses become common road blocks. So how do you overcome road blocks? Simple, develop a plan that works for you. Here are a few examples of common excuses and ways to deal with them:
In general, to get and stay physically active, you should look for activities that you enjoy or would like to try. Start with the basics, and once you have mastered them, you can move on. Place notes in your lunch to remind you that you’re going to go for a walk after work. Picture yourself doing the activity, this will increase your confidence level and will keep you going. Use the buddy system and find someone you can be active with. This buddy might be what you need to get you going on days you just don’t feel up to it.
Remember, regular physical activity is key to good health and well-being. Believing in yourself and understanding what stops you in the first place can help you set your own plan to become and stay physically active.
I'M TIREDDo activities at the start of the day. Being | I DON'T HAVE TIMEInvite friends or family to join you or have a walking meeting. |
I'M IN A BAD MOODDo activities at the start of the day. Being active can actually give you more energy.
| WEATHER IS BADPlan to walk around the mall, join a fitness class, or a gym during the winter months or foul weather. |
KEY REFERENCES:
